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Fender 50th Anniversary Jazz Bass

#7
So I played one of these over the weekend.

It was nice. But $2000????

NO.

It was exactly what a stock old-school J bass should be - including the annoying p'up covers (which, were I to own this bass, I would remove). It looked nice enough (I'm more fond of natural wood finishes rather than paint, but this paint was nice) and played well... But again... $2000???? And that isn't list - that's the discount "pre-grind the salesguy" price..

At least it was set up well and had new strings (A decent bassist must work at Guitar Trader in SD these days).

But $2000???

Nope.
 
#9
BigOldHarry said:
It was nice. But $2000????

NO.
Click to expand...

Since I feel like stirring the pot today...why not? It is a limited run, other companies also charge more for their anniversary models (EBMM, for instance) that have a special paint job and maybe a few other unique features (of course, that opens the can of worms about whether or not THOSE basses are worth the extra $$$, but I digress).

You said it was nice. This isn't just some bass like the 50th/60th anniverasary Fenders that just have an extra logo to denote the anniversary. It's a limited run Fender Jazz with a unique combo of features (many of which ARE cosmetic, I'll admit) that aren't found on other Jazz basses. I'm not saying that I would pay $2000 for it, mostly because I don't have $2000 and I play 5ers primarily.

But, are you saying it's not worth $2000 for what it is, or just that you wouldn't pay that much for it because, at the end of the day, a regular Jazz would do the same job for less money? Genuinely curious here, not trying to start an argument, so I hope it doesn't come off that way.
 
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#10
Bassmickeyd said:
Has Fender had much luck with their Anniversary models? Are they made at the Custom Shop or the California factory? And how many do you think they produce?
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They made 500 of these - production is now finished...I am pretty sure it's not made in the Custom Shop, but the Ca factory. It is a unique blend of features, I love the nitro finish on the body AND neck..
I picked one up for $1699 - you don't need to pay $2000 (not that it's much different I know) :)
 
#12
Double Agent said:
Since I feel like stirring the pot today...why not? It is a limited run, other companies also charge more for their anniversary models (EBMM, for instance) that have a special paint job and maybe a few other unique features (of course, that opens the can of worms about whether or not THOSE basses are worth the extra $$$, but I digress).

You said it was nice. This isn't just some bass like the 50th/60th anniverasary Fenders that just have an extra logo to denote the anniversary. It's a limited run Fender Jazz with a unique combo of features (many of which ARE cosmetic, I'll admit) that aren't found on other Jazz basses. I'm not saying that I would pay $2000 for it, mostly because I don't have $2000 and I play 5ers primarily.

But, are you saying it's not worth $2000 for what it is, or just that you wouldn't pay that much for it because, at the end of the day, a regular Jazz would do the same job for less money? Genuinely curious here, not trying to start an argument, so I hope it doesn't come off that way.
Click to expand...

That's exactly what I'm saying: It's nothing more than a "good" J bass with a special logo and bright red paint. The odd thing is that when Fender comes out with a really fancy instrument (exotic wood tops / electronics) they don't sell - - folks want their fenders to look & feel like a fender, not a Sadowsky, I guess.

Now, given the irrational way Fender's appreciate in value, $2000 may seem reasonable to some folks. Given that almost *never* buy gear new, that figure just seems insane. You can buy a *car* for $2000. For $2000, a you better *love* how an instrument plays, looks and sounds or forget it. I'm sure there are some folks for whom the color combo on this bass is *exactly* what they had been waiting for - and for them, perhaps it's worth it. Me, if I had to buy a new Fender, I'd just get a USA J bass (traditional sunburst / maple fretboard) and call it a day.
 
#13
BigOldHarry said:
That's exactly what I'm saying: It's nothing more than a "good" J bass with a special logo and bright red paint. The odd thing is that when Fender comes out with a really fancy instrument (exotic wood tops / electronics) they don't sell - - folks want their fenders to look & feel like a fender, not a Sadowsky, I guess.

Now, given the irrational way Fender's appreciate in value, $2000 may seem reasonable to some folks. Given that almost *never* buy gear new, that figure just seems insane. You can buy a *car* for $2000. For $2000, a you better *love* how an instrument plays, looks and sounds or forget it. I'm sure there are some folks for whom the color combo on this bass is *exactly* what they had been waiting for - and for them, perhaps it's worth it. Me, if I had to buy a new Fender, I'd just get a USA J bass (traditional sunburst / maple fretboard) and call it a day.
Click to expand...

That's cool and I can appreciate that point of view. I mean, it's not like I'm gonna spend $2000 on a bass anytime soon either, believe me. I think the price is actually pretty much where it should be compared to other limited run offerings on the market. But, that doesn't mean that I have the money for it, or that I wouldn't find another way to spend it if I did have it.
 
#17
It's a nice looking bass for sure. Heck, I was gassing myself, but then I realize I was just gassing as a collector not a player. I wanted this limited run J to hang on my wall, sorry I already have a J and one is all I needed. The gas passed and I got a Tony Franklin Fretless what I really needed:)
 
#19
Received my 50th Anniversary Jazz today.. feels good out of the box... plates and thumb rest have have got to go......
As I gently removed the covers from the pickups, I noticed the finish flaking back from the screw holes...not good... even with the plate screws gently put back into the body, the finish is cracking around the screws. It plays great.. Like the feel of the neck although I was a bit surprised that it was a gloss neck, but It seems to work for me and I got used to it quickly. Seems pretty light to me....maybe 9.5, but I have some pretty beefy basses in my arsenal (10-12 pounders). Very 70's vibe for sure tone wise...roll off the neck pickup a smidg and it's Bootsy time....Unfortunately the finish is an issue and it may be going back...I'd expect that from a cheaper model, but not an American that's in this price range....to bad...so sad...Why did Fender insist on putting those ridicules covers on knowing it could hurt the finish and most folk would be removing them......yea, I know it's was supposed to be a museum piece right? Sorry, I want to play it...
 

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